Page 62 of Final Vendetta

“So what if they were in the same class thirty years ago?” I argued. “It could just be a coincidence.”

While I struggled to believe anything was merely a coincidence, the connection was tenuous. With what was at stake, I couldn’t jump to conclusions.

“I’ll keep digging, see if there’s been any recent connection between the two.”

I nodded, unsure if I wanted him to find anything. “Thanks.”

“I’ll let you get back to your soon-to-be wife.” He chuckled under his breath. “Never thought I’d see the day.”

“You and me both.” I threw him a wink, then started toward where Imogene sat with her mom, Melanie, and Melanie’s mother, Olivia. I could hear them talk about wedding plans all the way over here.

I didn’t care where we got married. All Ididcare about was making her my wife. Becoming her husband. It was a strange thought, considering where I was mere months ago.

Imogene changed all that.

Just like she had all those years ago, too.

“Gideon,” a commanding voice called out, forcing me to come to a stop.

Turning, I met Alexander Burnham’s hardened eyes, causing a hint of unease to flow through me.

Despite the polite conversation we all shared over the past few hours as we celebrated my and Imogene’s engagement, I still felt him studying me with scrutiny.

Just like he did the last time I saw him in Pebble Beach.

But I was no longer hiding who I was, worried if anyone might see past the lies, it would be the highly trained former Navy SEAL.

Instead, everyone here knew the truth — that I was once Samuel Tate before the men I trusted betrayed me.

“Mr. Burnham, sir,” I greeted Melanie’s father respectfully.

“Congratulations.” He extended his hand toward me and we shook briefly. “It should come as no surprise that I think of Imogene as a second daughter.”

“Of course, sir.”

“I’m happy for her. For both of you. You deserve this.”

“We do?”

His words took me by surprise. After all, he now knew I’d lied to him. To all of them. While everyone else seemed ready to overlook my actions, I didn’t think Alexander would.

“Yes.” His lips curved into a slight smile as he brought his scotch to his mouth. Then his gaze drifted toward his wife, his expression lightening. “I know better than anyone that sometimes you need to keep secrets in order to keep those you love safe.”

I nodded in understanding.

While I may have had less than altruistic motives when I started down this path, that changed along the way. My actions weren’t solely out of revenge, but also to protect Imogene. To remove any and all threats to her safety.

Myself included.

“What’s your plan for Liam Pierce?”

I darted my eyes back to his, unsure how to respond.

While everyone knew who I was now, I hadn’t shared the details of everything I’d done.

Then again, I shouldn’t have been surprised that Alexander Burnham would be the one to put all the pieces together.

Much like Agent Myers did.

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